Author: Traverse City Tourism

Believe it or not, one month of the new year is already gone. Before you know it, the cherry blossoms will be in bloom, then summer beach days will arrive. Not long after that, fall colors will pop and we’ll be ringing in 2025 at the CherryT Ball Drop in downtown Traverse City.

The seasons go by

Guess what? 2024 is a leap year!

The extra day of February might get you excited about spending even more time out in the snow. Or maybe you relish more opportunities to appreciate the warm comforts of wintertime inside. Either way, you can take advantage of the longer month with a winter weekend

In the winter, Traverse City is a remarkable sight with pristine snowscapes and the serene embrace of Lake Michigan. Step outside and enjoy the season. When it’s time to warm up and unwind, we invite you to get cozy indoors. Sip local beverages at wineries, breweries, or distilleries. Experience the warmth of our vibrant arts community at galleries, museums, and theatres. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of winter sports or the comfort of being inside, Traverse City offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for your long weekend.

Explore our list of the top activities that will make this season your most exciting one yet! 

Winter Fun in Benzie

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 12:00 PM by Traverse City Tourism

With so many incredible destinations all across northern Michigan, Benzie County flies a bit under the radar. Many Michiganders don’t know about all the wintry joy that awaits in the collection of laid-back lakeshore communities southwest of Traverse City. 

What you’ll discover when you visit is an assortment of attractions that make Benzie County an amazing place this time of year. It’s home to one of Michigan’s best ski resorts with Crystal Mountain and offers some of the best winter hiking in America’s most beautiful place, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It’s where you can find several charming lake towns and Michigan’s first farm distillery, too. 

You can’t get Short’s Brewing innovations such as Pumpkincrusha on Nitro or Hot Loins aphrodisiac beer in the store. And you won’t find the Bellaire brewer’s Pistachio Cream Ale or S’more Stout at your local bar.

But you can come to taste them all this fall during Traverse City Beer Week. The annual celebration of northern Michigan brews returns Nov. 10-17 with drink specials – and special, experimental beers – at craft breweries all over the Traverse City area. 

The International Fireworks Championship transformed the night sky into a canvas of colors and shapes. These spectacular shows blend science, creativity, and pyrotechnic expertise to create breathtaking moments that left the audience in awe. Four teams from Germany, France, Mexico, and the USA took to the stage as spectators were treated to an unparalleled symphony of light and sound. In the end, the crowd would cast their vote for Best of Show with Germany taking home the trophy. 

Take a look at some highlights from the event! 

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